Authentic Community Connections

From fostering authentic community connections at a Japanese ryokan to architecture rooted in Mexico’s desert landscape and panoramic coastal views in Morocco, the newest members of Design Hotels each offer a distinct connection to their surroundings. At the same time, they reflect a forward-thinking approach to hospitality – whether through a focus on longevity at a new-build property in Colombia, the preservation of traditional design for future generations in Bali, or the creation of a mid-century modern sanctuary set among vineyards in India.

 

Nagato Yumoto Ryokan Revival

 

Housed in a reimagined 1960s ryokan in the hot spring town of Nagato Yumoto Onsen, SOIL Nagatoyumoto is a tranquil retreat where every aspect, from the living room-style lobby to the activity programme, aims to facilitate spontaneous encounters with the community. Tokyo-based Puddle Inc has complemented the traditional Japanese architecture with a contemporary minimalist aesthetic: custom-made furniture, lighting, and tableware produced in collaboration with Nagato’s furniture makers and Yamaguchi’s artisanal washi producers.

 

 

As well as Italian-influenced Taru restaurant, there is a bar, library, a shop selling crafts, and a riverside terrace which takes its cues from traditional kawadoko (platforms). A deliberate choice to forgo an in-house hot spring for unlimited complimentary use of Onto, the town’s historic public bath, encourages guests to find meaning in living like a local.

 

For more information and reservations, call +81 (0) 837 – 253 – 333 or email: soil-nagatoyumoto@staplejp.com.

 

Baja Wine Country Retreat

 

Inspired by Wabi-Sabi and desert architecture, the design at MIRA Earth Studios, in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine region, is rooted in minimalism. Understated rooms are sunk into the hillside, with rammed-earth walls, green roofs, custom-designed furniture (crafted from stone, wood, and concrete), and earthy organic tones that connect seamlessly with the Baja California landscape.

 

 

Each has a spa-like bathroom, with an infrared sauna and hydro massage jacuzzi; guests can also book in-room massages, yoga, and meditation. There’s a double-height lobby with an indoor firepit for winter; an infinity-edged pool framed by uninterrupted vineyard and mountain vistas; Baja-influenced Mexican food on the menu; and nature-based activities that range from hiking to horse riding.

 

For more information and reservations, call +52 (0) 646 – 101 – 6084 or email: reservations@miraearthstudios.com.

 

Casablanca Rooftop Dining Hotel

 

Designed by French architect Christophe Pillet and overlooking Casablanca’s Corniche – a vibrant stretch of coastline in the upscale neighbourhood of Aïn Diab – new-build Villa Sahrai is a reinterpretation of the city’s modernist mid-century villas. The vision of interior designer Ali Lahlou, the salon-like lobby feels serene and inviting. In the spacious rooms and suites, a neutral palette is punctuated by warm ochres, walnut furniture, and tan leather bedheads.

 

 

Mediterranean influences are threaded through the two restaurants, Italian trattoria Rubillini’s and L’Aragosta on the rooftop – the place to be at sunset. Here, panoramic vistas from the outdoor lounge are framed by greenery while the interior courtyard unfolds like a hidden garden. When guests want to reset, the spa offers Cinq Mondes treatments, a hammam, sauna and heated indoor pool.

 

For more information and reservations, call +212 (0) 522 – 251 – 212 or email: reservations@villasahrai.com.

 

Bali Ricefield Hideaway Hotel

 

Untouched by the scale of development along Bali’s south coast, the neighbourhood of Umalas is a lost-in-time landscape of tropical greenery and rice fields, yet with Canggu and Seminyak less than 10-minutes’ scooter ride away. At oasis-like Magia de Uma, husband-and-wife owners Jacopo and Rosa Sertoli have prioritised preservation in the architecture and design.

 

 

Beautifully simple rooms with intricate wood carved entrances, vintage furniture, and soft white linens are spread between a villa and bungalows, some of which are built around Javanese joglo structures with 150 years of history. Lending the hotel a further sense of place is the Indonesian influenced cuisine and spa, where wellness rituals tap into Balinese traditions. There is also a pool and creative programming that includes painting sessions and cooking workshops.

 

For more information and reservations, call +62 (0) 361 – 847 – 5125 or email: info@magiadeuma.com.

 

Pune Countryside Boutique Hotel

 

On a 66-acre working winery in Pune, Hotel Irada feels almost otherworldly – a grand, Neo-classical structure removed from the bustle of city life. Inside, a contrast unfolds: mid-century modern interiors with a global sensibility and Indian craftsmanship at their heart.

 

 

Designed by Keralan architecture and interior studio Humming Tree, rooms feature clay plaster walls softened by natural textures and carved stone vanities with aged bronze accents. Expansive decks look out over the vineyards; an outdoor hot plunge faces the forest; and the backdrop to the steam and sauna is wild agaves. Daily yoga, guided meditation, and forest trails flow seamlessly into nature, plus there’s the Pool Club for lazy afternoons by the water before plates of pasta and pizza at relaxed Italian restaurant Rosso.

 

For more information and reservations, call +91 (0) 751 – 000 – 2196 or email: info@hotelirada.com.

 

Medellín Biohacking Wellness Hotel

 

From the vertical gardens to the nourishing, superfood focus at SILO restaurant, new-build Wake BioHotel in Medellin’s El Poblado district has wellness at its core. A collaboration between local creative studios 5 Sólidos and ERA Arquitectura, rooms are defined by warm wood tones, soft palettes, and Colombian-crafted furniture – as well as blackout blinds and soundproofed walls for better rest.

 

 

The Longevity Floor – conceived as a sanctuary above the city – embodies the philosophy of next-level self-care, with spaces dedicated to restoration, balance, and mindful connection. Activities range from yoga sessions to guided breathwork while personalised longevity programmes include cutting-edge diagnostics and biohacking therapies to optimise health.

 

For more information and reservations, call +57 (0) 314 – 464 – 9488 or email: res@designhotels.com.

 

 

Source: Design Hotels.